Manaslu Circuit has recently been the apple of the eye for many trekkers visiting Nepal. Most trekkers are attracted to the Manaslu region of Nepal due to its remoteness and virgin and unexplored trekking routes.
However, the trekkers still miss Serang Gompa or Serang Monastery the most. The Monastery has become a centre of attraction and cultural enrichment for many Manaslu region trekkers.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek, including a stop at Serang Gompa, hides its own secrets in Nepal. This trek provides opportunities to witness amazing mountain scenery and discover peaceful walking pathways in combination with thorough cultural immersion.
Manaslu Circuit Trek with Serang Gompa Stay route passes by Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-tallest mountain. While leading adventurers through historic settlements as well as forests and rivers before ascending multiple high mountain passes.
You reach the Larke La Pass at 5,106 meters along the trekking route, providing magnificent views of white mountain peaks.
The trek includes a particularly important stop at Serang Gompa, which lies at 3,100 m above sea level, along with its beautiful Buddhist Monastery. The settlement functions as a sanctuary for dwelling monks alongside Buddhist practice.
Serang Gompa’s trail explores breathtaking Himalayan views for trekkers crossing unspoiled mountain paths.
Visitors can experience Buddhist culture and meditation practice in this quiet setting because of the chance to meet monks. Peace seekers and spiritual travellers find the Monastery the ideal destination because it sits among prayer flags and chortens.
Manaslu Circuit Trek with Serang Gompa requires particular trekking permits because it is normally off-limits to regular visitors. The trek gives adventure alongside spectacular mountain views, together with the opportunity to experience local culture.
The peaceful Buddhist Monastery Serang Gompa is 3,100 meters high in Nepal’s Manaslu region. The Monastery is in a peaceful valley bordered by high peaks, forests, and fast-flowing rivers.
Visitors seeking Serang Gompa can obtain access through a diversion from the Manaslu Circuit Trek, as well as nearby settlements, including Deng and Namrung. The trail to the Monastery has a high ascent, which provides fantastic vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Scenic views of fresh air, fluttering prayer flags, and reverberations from chanting monks all create an atmosphere of peace and spiritualization. Many travellers come to meditate, understand Buddhism, or bask in peaceful surroundings.
Historically, Serang Gompa is an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism, built over 500 years ago by a Buddhist master, Guru Chokyi Gyaltsen. This Monastery is based on Tibetan traditions, with many monks in residence studying and learning the ways of Buddhism.
The architecture here is simple and beautiful, with stone walls, wooden carvings, and coloured prayer flags. Inside, it is kept with golden Buddha statues, ancient scriptures, and sacred paintings.
The inhabitants celebrate Buddhist festivals like Lhosar, the Tibetan New Year, with prayers, dances, and rituals every year. Serang Monastery is an ideal destination for spiritual seekers and nature lovers who want to find peace in the Himalayas.
If one is trekking near the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal, a visit to Serang Gompa is a must. This ancient Monastery is over 500 years old and thus is really a hidden gem.
Though renovated, the Monastery still has its ancient charm as monks and locals preserve their age-old traditions.
Besides being a monastery, Serang Gompa is a place of peace and tranquillity. In fact, spiritual vibes are strongly felt in the atmosphere, from the chanting monks to the floating prayer flags down to the scents of incense.
Here, a small monastery is found housing Buddhists who follow some of the very ancient traditions. The monks can be seen performing rituals, prayer ceremonies, and traditional Buddhist teachings.
Their hospitality and kindness make you feel welcome, and you can be with them to learn about their simple yet meaningful way of life.
The view from Serang Gompa is awesome. Surrounded by the high peaks of the Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal, this place stands out like an art drawing in real life.
After all, Serang Gompa is not a touristy destination- a reason that works in the interest of people seeking solace. Reaching the Monastery is an adventurous trek via forests, rivers, and villages.
The route to Serang Gompa is somewhat similar to Manaslu Circuit Trek but has a bit of change. The Serang Monastery Route goes:
Kathmandu– Dhading – Gola Bhanjyang – Jyamire – Arughat – Soti Khola – Machha Khola – Jagat – Salleri – Philim – Deng – Bihi – Serang Gompa – Bihi – Ghap – Namrung – Lihi – Lho – Shyala – Samagaon – Samdo – Dharmasala – Larkya La Pass – Bimthang – Gho – Tilje – Dharapani – Chyamche – Besi Sahar – Pokhara – Kathmandu
| Day | Itinerary | Time | Sleep Altitude |
| 01 | Drive to Machha Khola from Kathmandu | 7-8 hours | 869 m/ 2851 ft. |
| 02 | Trek to Jagat | 6-7 hours | 1340 m/ 4396 ft. |
| 03 | Trek to Deng Village | 7-8 hours | 1860 m/ 6102 ft. |
| 04 | Trek to Bihi Village | 3 hours | 2130 m/ 6988 ft. |
| 05 | Trek to Serang Monastery | 6 hours | 3100 m/ 10170 ft. |
| 06 | Trek down to Ghap Village | 5-6 hours | 2397 m/ 7864 ft. |
| 07 | Trek to Lho Village | 5-6 hours | 3180 m/ 10433 ft. |
| 08 | Trek to Shyala Village – Explore Pungyen Gompa | 5-6 hours | 3500 m/ 11483 ft. |
| 09 | Trek to Samagaon – Explore Birendra Lake | 6-7 hours | 3530 m/ 11581 ft. |
| 10 | Rest Day in Samagaon – Side trip to Manaslu Base Camp | 7-8 hours | 3530 m/ 11581 ft. |
| 11 | Trek to Samdo Village | 2-3 hours | 3875 m/ 12713 ft. |
| 12 | Rest Day at Samdo – Side trip to Tibetan Border | 8-9 hours | 3875 m/ 12713 ft. |
| 13 | Trek to Dharmasala | 3-4 hours | 4460 m/ 14633 ft. |
| 14 | Trek to Bimthang via Larkey La Pass (5106 m) | 8 hours | 3590 m/ 11778 ft. |
| 15 | Trek to Tilje Village | 5-6 hours | 2300 m/ 7546 ft. |
| 16 | Drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara from Tilje | 8-9 hours | 1400 m or 822 m |
On the first day of the trek, as per your feasibility, we will either pick you up from the hotel, or you can even be at the office for the trek start.
Then, we will pack everything in the Jeep or Bus, per your itinerary, and start the Manaslu Serang Gompa Trek. We will drive along the Trisuli River and pass through many villages and markets.
On the way to Dhading from Kathmandu, one can enjoy the local fruits and vegetable stalls where the people sell the seasonal fruits and vegetables on the way.
Then, you will continue your journey. We will stop for lunch on the way to a place called Jyamire. You can have a western lunch or traditional local Nepali food, Dal Bhat.
After driving for around 7 hours, we will reach our destination, Machha Khola. We will stay overnight in a lovely teahouse in Machha Khola.
: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
: Teahouse
: 7-8 hours driving
Complimentary services from Himalayan Masters
Serang Gompa Trek is a moderately challenging trek since it follows almost the same route as the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The long walking hours, steep ascents/descents, and high-altitude gain are features of this trail.
To reach the Monastery involves trekking across rugged landscapes, suspension bridges, and villages. As Serang Gompa stands at an altitude of around 3,100 meters above sea level, some show symptoms of altitude sickness.Â
The trek requires good physique, endurance, and experience related to trekking in the Himalayas. Manaslu for beginners may also try it, but proper acclimatization, pace, and preparation are needed.
The best time to visit Manaslu Serang Gompa is from Spring to March, May and Autumn to September and November. These months offer clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and breathtaking mountain views.
In spring, it’s the time of colourful rhododendron blooms, while in autumn, it offers crystal clear weather with crisp air and perfect views.
Winter and monsoon seasons are not recommended because heavy snowfall and rainfall make the trail more challenging.
Serang Gompa Trek lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area, so you need the following permits:
All these permits should be obtained with the help of a registered trekking agency since solo trekking is not available in this region.
Basic accommodation is available along the Manaslu Circuit trek. You can find basic to some standard teahouses on the actual Manaslu Circuit that provide normal bedding, blankets, and pillows.
But once you reach Serang Monastery for the stay, you either have to stay at the Monastery itself or in your own carried tent.
Basic local guesthouses or monastery rooms can also accommodate guests at the Monastery itself. However, the facilities are very basic, so the trekker should be prepared for minimal comfort.
The food involves the traditional Nepali diet; Dal Bhat, rice, lentils, vegetables, noodles, Tibetan bread, momos, and tea are available at the teahouses and lodges.
Simple vegetarian food is also available for visitors to the Monastery. As this area is quite off-beat, there are a few eating options around, and their prices shoot up exponentially as the altitude increases.
Trip Grade: This is a moderately difficult trek. Good fitness with lots of stamina is needed to make this trip.
Physical Health, Medical, & Health: The trekkers should be in good physical condition, and medical advice is better to be consulted by a doctor.
Special Training: No special training is required; however, previous trekking experience on similar routes will help.
Insurance: Travel insurance that covers trekking in high-altitude areas, including emergency evacuation, is highly recommended.
Additional Expenses: Be prepared for extra costs like personal expenses, snacks, and tips for guides and porters.
ATM on the Trek Route: There are no ATMs on the trek route, so you need to have sufficient cash before the trek. The only ATM you will find on the last route is Arughat, Gorkha.
Money Exchange: Before the trek, you can exchange money in Kathmandu or Arughat.
Electricity & Battery Recharge: Although some villages have solar-powered charging stations, bring extra power banks because it may be difficult to recharge.
Water: Bottled water is available, but it is always better to bring a filter or purification tablet to ensure the water is drunk safely.
Communication: The trail has very poor mobile signal strength. Better to take the aid of a satellite phone in case of emergencies.
Guide Vs. Solo Trekking: The government does not allow Solo trekking in this region. There, one needs to trek with a licensed guide.
Porters Versus No Porter: It is advisable to hire a porter to carry heavy gear to lighten the trek and alleviate physical stress.
Tipping Guideline for Guides and Porters: The tipping culture for guides and porters is customary. Tip according to the service: usually, it is US$ 10-15 per day for guides and US$ 5-10 per day for porters.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek and Serang Monastery Trek are mostly similar treks. But adding the Serang Gompa visit and stay will add three more days to your normal Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary.
The normal Manaslu Circuit Trek will take 13 days with Himalayan Masters, but the Serang Gompa added will make it 16-day trek.
The altitude gains in Serang Gompa stay in Manaslu are somehow the same as those of the Manaslu Circuit Trek since the Gompa altitude is 3100 meters. During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will also come across such heights.
The ending point and the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are the same: Tilje and Larkya La Pass, respectively.
The major difference between the normal Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Serang Gompa Trek is its cultural and traditional significance.
The Serang Gompa has really great Buddhist significance during the trek. Many big Gurus and Rinpoche gather at the Serang Gompa and follow the rituals daily.
However, in the normal Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can see some of the cultural findings and engage in the normal talks, but they miss this part of being present at the rituals every day.
One can extend their Serang Gompa Trek in the Manaslu region easily. You can extend your trip to the remote Tsum Valley. There is also an option of Rupina La Pass trek which also lies in the Manaslu Region of Nepal.
You can also visit the Barpak and Laprak villages of Gorkha Valley which are really beautiful with huge settlements.
If you want to extend the trip to other regions than Manaslu, then you can choose remote trails like Nar Phu Valley, Kanchenjunga Circuit, and Khopra Danda Trek.
If one wants to explore more commercialized then you can choose the best Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Langtang region’s trek.
